Bottle washing accessory for use on the article rack of a dishwasher

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an article rack accessory for use in a dishwasher which comprises a tub, one or more article racks and one or more rotating spray arms each including one or more nozzles for upwardly spraying the washing/rinsing liquid towards the respective article rack. The article rack accessory of the present invention comprises an apparatus for installation onto at least one of the article racks and for washing/rinsing the interior of a hollow article that is to be placed thereover with the open side down onto the respective rack.

The present invention relates to the treatment of hollow articles, in particular to hollow articles with relatively narrow openings such as drinking containers, bottles, and feeding bottles in a domestic dishwasher.

Domestic dishwashers are commonly known in the art. A domestic dishwasher generally includes two article racks which are extendably disposed into the washing tub one above the other. The article racks are commonly made from a wire mesh which holds the kitchenware to be cleaned and dried. The user can load up the article racks with various kitchenware such as pots, pans, trays, dishes, bowls, cups, glasses, jars, and bottles. Kitchenware such as cutlery is generally placed into the cutlery basket which has a relatively finer mesh. The articles which are loaded into the upper rack and the lower rack are generally washed and rinsed by means of two rotating spray arms that upwardly spray the washing/rinsing liquid through their nozzles towards the racks respectively. The pressurized washing/rinsing liquid hits the articles, removes the dirt, marks or stain from the articles, and drains down together with the dissolved dirt into the sump which is located on the bottom of the tub. A common problem with the prior art domestic dishwashers is that the hollow articles, in particular the hollow articles with relatively narrow openings such as drinking containers, bottles, feeding bottles may not sufficiently receive the washing/rinsing liquid and remain dirty after the completion of the washing cycle. In such incidents, the user needs to wash the unclean articles again. In general, the poor washing results decrease the user satisfaction.

WO 2010133674 (A1) discloses a prior art domestic dishwasher.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an article rack accessory for use in dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved cleaning performance of the hollow articles.

This objective has been achieved by the article rack accessory as defined in claim 1, and the dishwasher as defined in claim 13. Additional achievements have been attained by the subject-matters as defined in the dependent claims respectively.

The article rack accessory of the present invention comprises an apparatus for installation onto at least one of the article racks and for washing/rinsing the interior of a hollow article that is to be placed thereover with the open side down into the respective rack. The apparatus includes an ascending pipe which penetrates into the hollow article. The ascending pipe immediately catches at least part of the washing/rinsing liquid that is upwardly sprayed from the respective counterpart nozzle that passes beneath, and diverts it into the hollow article towards the bottom thereof.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the ascending pipe, the interior of the hollow articles can be intensively washed and rinsed. Thereby, the risk of having poor washing results can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Most importantly, the hollow articles such as feeding bottles can be hygienically cleaned. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the ascending pipe, the interior of the hollow articles can be supplied with washing/rinsing liquid that is directly caught from the nozzles that pass beneath, and thus without the need of connecting any additional hydraulic line to the apparatus. Thereby, the number of parts can be decreased, the overall cost can be reduced both in material and labor, and the energy efficiency of the dishwasher can be improved. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be further improved.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is releasably and selectively installable onto one or more than one of the desired article racks. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the apparatus can be removed when it is not needed. Thereby, the space inside the respective article rack can be more efficiently utilized. In a version of this embodiment, the releasable apparatus is provided together with a base that is detachably attachable to the respective rack. The base also releasably holds the apparatus. Thereby, the user can easily remove the apparatus while leaving the base attached to the respective rack. The base has a small size so as not to impede the efficient utilization of the respective rack. The base may be detachably attached to the rack by various types of connections. Similarly, the apparatus may be held by the base through various types of connections. For instance, an interlocking connection, a snap connection, a screw connection or a clamping connection may be used. In another version of this embodiment, the base is provided with one or more grooves which fit onto the wire mesh of the respective rack. In another version of this embodiment, the base has one ore more slots, and the apparatus has one or more counterpart keys.

In another embodiment, the article rack accessory possesses a two-piece configuration, namely a one-piece base and a one-piece apparatus. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the number of parts has been reduced and thus the overall cost can be saved. In an alternative embodiment, the base and the apparatus are merged into a single piece that can be releasably installed onto the respective rack. In another embodiment, the article rack accessory, including the base and the apparatus are moulded from a suitable plastic material. In another alternative embodiment, the article rack accessory is manufactured from a light weight metal or a light weight metal alloy.

In another embodiment, the ascending pipe has a lower opening which faces downwards, and an upper opening which faces upwards. In a version of this embodiment, the lower opening is relatively larger than the upper opening such that the ascending pipe assumes an inverted funnel-like shape. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the apparatus can catch a comparatively large amount of washing/rinsing liquid which is sprayed upwardly through the nozzles which pass beneath, and divert it concentratedly into the hollow article. Thereby, the hollow article can be more intensively cleaned.

In another embodiment, the ascending pipe is formed into a generally upright standing tower-like support. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the support can be inserted into the hollow article so as to prevent it from dislocating and tilting. In a version of this embodiment, the tower-like support is height-adjustable.

In other alternative embodiments, the article rack accessory may be releasably installed onto the upper article rack and/or the lower rack at one or more positions which are located immediately above the locus of the respective counterpart nozzle. In another embodiment, the upper article rack comprises four installation positions each for releasably installing a respective apparatus. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user is enabled to intensively clean four hollow articles at a time.

In another embodiment, the dishwasher is provided with one or more indications, markings or signs which enable the user to recognize the installation positions at which the article rack accessory may be installed onto the desired rack in accordance with the counterpart nozzle loci.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the article rack accessory and the dishwasher according to the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1—is a schematic perspective view of an article rack accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2—is another schematic perspective view of the article rack accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3—is a schematic exploded view of the article rack accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4—is a schematic partial perspective view of a dishwasher which has the article rack accessory according to an embodiment, wherein the article rack accessory is releasably installed onto the upper article rack;

FIG. 5—is a schematic partial perspective view of the article rack accessory when placing thereover a hollow article, i.e. a bottle with the open side down.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

1. Article rack accessory

2. Dishwasher

3. Tub

4. Rack

5. Spray arm

6. Nozzle

7. Apparatus

8. Article

9. Pipe

10. Base

11. Attachment means

12. Holding means

13. Wire

14. Groove

15. Slot

16. Key

17. Stopper

18. Aperture

19. Support

The article rack accessory (1) is suitable for use in a dishwasher (2). The dishwasher (2) comprises a tub (3), one or more article racks (4) which are extendably disposed into the tub (3) one above the other; and one or more rotating spray arms (5) each including one or more nozzles (6) for upwardly spraying the washing/rinsing liquid towards the respective article rack (4).

The article rack accessory (1) of the present invention comprises: an apparatus (7) which is adapted for installation onto at least one of the article racks (4) and for washing/rinsing the interior of a hollow article (8) that is to be placed thereover with the open side down onto the respective rack (4). The apparatus (7) includes an ascending pipe (9) which is configured to penetrate into the hollow article (8), to immediately catch at least part of the washing/rinsing liquid that is upwardly sprayed from the respective counterpart nozzle (6) which passes beneath, and to divert it into the hollow article (8) towards the bottom thereof.

The dishwasher (2) of the present invention comprises one or more article rack accessories (1). In an embodiment, the apparatus (7) is adapted for releasable installation onto at least one of the article racks (4).

In another embodiment, the article rack accessory (1) comprises a base (10) which includes an attachment means (11) for detachably attaching the base (10) to the respective rack (4); and a holding means (12) for releasably holding the apparatus (7).

In another embodiment, the article racks (4) each comprises wires (13). In this embodiment, the attachment means (11) includes two grooves (14) for engaging with the respective two counterpart wires (13).

In another embodiment, the holding means (12) includes two slots (15). In this embodiment, the apparatus (7) includes two keys (16) for engaging with the respective slots (15).

In another embodiment, the apparatus (7) includes two stoppers (17) for restricting movement relative to the base (10).

In another embodiment, the base (10) comprises an aperture (18) for receiving the apparatus (7).

In another embodiment, the ascending pipe (9) has an inverted funnel-like shape which upwardly narrows.

In another embodiment, the apparatus (7) further includes a tower-like support (19) which is adapted for relative insertion into the hollow article (8). In this embodiment, the ascending pipe (9) is formed into the tower-like support (19).

In another embodiment, the ascending pipe (9) extends from the bottom to the top of the tower-like support (19).

In another embodiment, the article rack accessory (1) possesses a two-piece configuration. In this embodiment, the apparatus (7) and the base (10) are each single pieces respectively which are manufactured from a suitable plastic material.

In another embodiment, the upper article rack (4) comprises four installation positions each for releasably installing a respective apparatus (7). Each installation position is located immediately above the locus of the respective counterpart nozzle (6).

In another embodiment, the dishwasher (2) comprises one or more markings (not shown) which indicate the installation positions respectively.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the ascending pipe (9), the interior of the hollow articles (8) can be intensively washed and rinsed. Thereby, the risk of having poor washing results can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Most importantly, the hollow articles (8) such as the feeding bottles (8) can be hygienically cleaned. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the ascending pipe (9), the interior of the hollow articles (8) can be supplied with washing/rinsing liquid which is directly caught from the nozzles (6) which pass beneath, and thus without the need of connecting any additional hydraulic line (not shown) to the apparatus (7). Thereby, the number of parts can be decreased, the overall cost can be reduced both in material and labor, and the energy efficiency of the dishwasher (2) can be improved. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be further improved. Other additional advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the aforementioned embodiments. 

1. An article rack accessory for use in a dishwasher comprising a tub; one or more article racks which are extendably disposed into the tub one above the other; and one or more rotating spray arms each including one or more nozzles for upwardly spraying the washing/rinsing liquid towards the respective article rack, the article rack accessory being characterized in that an apparatus which is adapted for installation onto at least one of the article racks and for washing/rinsing the interior of a hollow article that is to be placed thereover with the open side down onto the respective rack, wherein the apparatus includes an ascending pipe which is configured to penetrate into the hollow article, to immediately catch at least part of the washing/rinsing liquid that is upwardly sprayed from the respective counterpart nozzle which passes beneath, and to divert it into the hollow article towards the bottom thereof.
 2. The article rack accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is adapted for releasable installation onto at least one of the article racks.
 3. The article rack accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that a base which includes an attachment means for detachably attaching the base to the respective rack; and a holding means for releasably holding the apparatus.
 4. The article rack accessory according to claim 3, wherein the article racks each comprises wires, the article rack accessory being characterized in that the attachment means includes one or more grooves for engaging with the respective wire.
 5. The article rack accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding means includes one or more slots, and the apparatus includes one or more keys for engaging with the respective slots.
 6. The article rack accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that the apparatus includes one or more stopper for restricting movement relative to the base.
 7. The article rack accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that the base comprises an aperture for receiving the apparatus.
 8. The article rack accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the ascending pipe has an inverted funnel-like shape which upwardly narrows.
 9. The article rack accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus further includes: a tower-like support which is adapted for relative insertion into the hollow article, wherein the ascending pipe is formed into the tower-like support.
 10. The article rack accessory according to claim 9, characterized in that the ascending pipe extends from the bottom to the top of the tower-like support.
 11. The article rack accessory according to claim 9, characterized in that the tower-like support is height-adjustable.
 12. The article rack accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is a single piece which is manufactured from a durable plastic material.
 13. A dishwasher comprising a tub, one or more article racks which are extendably disposed into the tub one above the other; and one or more rotating spray arms each including one or more nozzles for upwardly spraying the washing/rinsing liquid towards the respective article rack, characterized in that one or more article rack accessories each as defined in claim
 1. 14. The dishwasher according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper article rack comprises one or more installation positions each adapted for releasable installation of a respective apparatus, wherein each position is located immediately above the locus of the respective counterpart nozzle.
 15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, characterized in that one or more markings which indicate the respective installation position. 